Community Participation

Research has shown that being actively involved with others is a crucial factor in maintaining a sense of wellbeing in later years. This can include socialising, taking part in group activities, contributing to the community and devoting time to personal development. The opportunity to keep up regular communication with family and friends and take part in meaningful activities is considered essential to enjoyment of life.

The City of Mitcham offers a variety of opportunities for participation in social activity and personal development activities for people who are older and frail, younger people with a disability and family or friends who care for them.

The Local Government Association recently produced a promotional video of one of our Lunch Group gatherings, which is an excellent example of the benefits enjoyed by residents who participate in our activities. You can view it below or by following this link.

Read on for details of our Community Participation Programs

Community Connections

Community Connections (also known as Accompanied Activities) is a flexible and innovative means of assisting residents keep up their interests or participate in activities they enjoy. It is designed to encourage people to maintain social and recreational connections or establish new ones. We offer a range of assistance, information and guidance to suit your needs and circumstances. One of our Coordinators will visit you in your home for a preliminary discussion regarding your interests, provide information and work out with you the type and level of support you need for your preferred activity. Activities are supported by trained volunteers (or Council approved contractors in some circumstances) and we make every attempt to ensure volunteers and residents are a “good match".

What Community Connections offers

Our Coordinators can:

Provide you with information about community groups or activities relevant to you

Put you in touch with groups who have similar interests to yours

Provide personal transport to and from activities, if required

Provide extra support by attending activities with you, if required

Arrange for a volunteer to visit you in your home

Support your preference for how often you take part (it can be a one-off or regular arrangement)

Scope of Community Connections

Assistance can be arranged for one social support opportunity per week or a maximum of 6 hours per week, depending on any special needs.

How much does it cost?

Activity

Cost

Personal transport to a venue within the Mitcham Council area

$6 one way

$12 two way

Personal transport to a venue outside the Mitcham Council area

$9 one way

$18 two way

Plus the cost (if any) of the activity or activities in which you participate

Who is eligible?

For details of eligibility conditions refer to Eligibility. Community Connections is designed for residents who would benefit from additional social interaction, are having difficulty in accessing activities, or require assistance in participating in new activities. Community Connections is not suitable for those who need one on one expert support with personal care, mobility or emotional and behavioural needs. It is not offered to residents who can access other avenues of social support, e.g. aged care facilities or other agencies where arranged social support is available.

How do I request more information or apply?

If you are new to Community Connections or have not used the services within the past twelve months, please contact My Aged Care, phone 1800 200 422.

To request further information or if you have used Community Connections within the past twelve months, please telephone the Coordinator on 8372 8804.

If you are under the age of 65 with a disability please telephone the Coordinator on 8372 8884.

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“Community Connections has enriched my life, through exposing me to meeting other people and allowing me to join in activities, which otherwise wouldn’t have been available to me.” (Elaine, who receives regular transport to her art class through the Community Connections Program)

“Using the transport provided by Community Connections has made a big difference to me. Previously I wasn’t attending any activities. Being able to socialise and meet friends on a weekly basis is very important to me.” (Helen, who receives regular transport to Colonel Light Gardens Senior Citizens Club through the Community Connections Program)

Assisted Shopping

Assisted shopping trips can be arranged where the volunteer or contractor will provide transport and assistance at the shopping centre. If you are unable to leave home, arrangements can be made for a volunteer or contractor to collect a shopping list and carry out the required shopping on your behalf.

How much does it cost?

Fees per person (no charge to carers who accompany residents)

Cost

Shopping trips within the Mitcham Council area

$6 one way

$12 two way

Shopping trips outside the Mitcham Council area

$9 one way

$18 two way

Using Assisted Shopping

To ensure the availability of the service to as many residents as possible, and the safety and security of passengers and drivers, the following conditions apply:

Use of the service is usually fortnightly or up to 26 trips per year, unless negotiated otherwise.

A maximum of three pasengers per car is allowed for accompanying residents or carers.

We ask that you provide at least three working days notice of your shopping trip when possible.

Volunteers or contractors can provide low level assistance. If a higher level of support is required, our Coordinators will suggest a referral to My Aged Care.

It is expected that the destination will be within or in close proximity to the Mitcham Council area.

How do I apply?

If you are new to Assisted Shopping or have not used the services within the past twelve months, please contact My Aged Care. phone 1800 200 422.

If you have used our Assisted Shopping services within the past twelve months, please telephone the Coordinator on 8372 8829.

If you are under the age of 65 with a disability please telephone the Coordinator on 8372 8884.

Tuesday and Friday Lunch Groups

What the Lunch Groups offer

The Lunch Groups provide an opportunity for residents to take part in a variety of activities including bus trips, games, crafts and gentle exercise. There are also regular guest speakers, entertainers and outings. Activities are followed by a nutritious lunch and is provided either at the venue or at an eating place in the local community. There are three bus trips per year on our Community Bus to a venue outside of metropolitan Adelaide, and these include lunch. Transport is available, if required, for most activities.

When and how often are they held?

The groups meet once a week, either on a Tuesday or a Friday.

Tuesday Lunch Group

Meets every Tuesday from 10 am to 1.30 pm at Cumberland Park Community Centre, 390 Goodwood Road, Cumberland Park. Lunch is included. Transport is provided if required, with pick-ups commencing at 9.30 am.

Friday Lunch Group

Meets every Friday from 10 am to 1.30 pm at the Blackwood Community Centre, 4 Young Street, Blackwood. Lunch is included. Transport for those in need is provided, with pick-ups commencing at 9.30 am.

How much does it cost?

Activity

Cost

Lunch and activities

$14

Return transport (if required) (3 people per car)

$6

Bus trips (includes transport and meal)

$40

Unsubsidised rates apply (please call 8372 8803)

Who is eligible?

For details of eligibility conditions refer to Eligibility. Lunch Groups are designed for residents who would benefit from regular social interaction, are having difficulty in accessing activities, or require assistance in participating in new activities. Lunch Groups are not suited to those who need one on one support with personal care, mobility or emotional and behavioural needs and are not offered to those who can access other avenues of social support, eg. aged care facilities or other agencies where arranged social support is available.

How do I apply?

If you are a new participant in the Lunch Groups or have not attended within the past twelve months and would like to access subsidised rates, please contact My Aged Care, phone 1800 200 422.

To request further information or if you would like to enquire about subsidised rates, please telephone the Coordinator on 8372 8803.

If you are under the age of 65 with a disability please telephone the Coordinator on 8372 8884.

“I enjoy and look forward to the Tuesday Group where I have made lots of friends over the years.” Faye, Tuesday Lunch Club Member)

“Lunch Group is like a family meal. I don't have children or grandchildren and I easily become isolated. The weekly get together with warm, friendly, caring and, dare I say, often delightfully silly companions enriches my life no end!”

(Annie, Tuesday Lunch Club Member).

Men's Lunch Group

What the Men's Lunch Groups offer

These Lunch Groups are designed for male residents of the City of Mitcham. Also known as “Don Juan” (Dinner’s On Now, Join Us At Noon), they provide a social outlet for men who would like the opportunity of enjoying mateship with other men in an atmosphere of mutual support and fellowship.

﻿When and how are they held?

There are two groups - one meets on the third Tuesday and the other on the fourth Wednesday of each month, at the Mitcham Community Centre car park, 242 Belair Road, Lower Mitcham at a time to be confirmed. The Community Bus then transports attendees to a different nominated destination each month.

How much does it cost?

Activity

Cost

Bus transport

$12

Plus cost of meal and drinks

How do I apply?

If you are a new participant in a Men's Lunch Group or have not attended within the past twelve months, please contact My Aged Care, phone 1800 200 422.

To request further information or if you have participated in a Men's Lunch Group within the past twelve months, please telephone the Coordinator on 8372 8804.

If you are under the age of 65 with a disability please telephone the Coordinator on 8372 8884.

“Don Juan is a great service for all us fellows to catch up, have a lot of laughs and a good meal.” (Ron, Don Juan Club Member).

Mahjong Group

What Mahjong Group offers

A friendly meeting place for mahjong enthusiasts to get together for a game. Afternoon tea is included.

When and how often is it held?

The group meets every Thursday from 1.00pm to 3.30pm in the Mitcham Community Centre, Room 2, 242 Belair Road, Lower Mitcham.

How much does it cost?

Activity

Cost

Each meeting

$2

Includes afternoon tea

How do I apply?

If you are interested in attending the group or would like further information please contact the Coordinator on 8372 8803.

“Mahjong gives me physical and mental stimulation to keep me well as I age" (Elizabeth, Mahjong Group Member).

Colouring Group - 'Colour My World'

What the colouring group offers

‘Colour My World’ provides an opportunity for residents of the City of Mitcham to join in a social get together and colouring session. The group is a great way to relax and meet new people from all walks of life in the City of Mitcham. Colouring-in has been proven to assist in reducing stress, sparking creativity, reconnecting with your inner child, promoting mindfulness and providing therapeutic value. Please note, children must be supervised at all times.

When and how often are they held?

The group is held every Thursday 1 pm to 3 pm in Room 3, the Mitcham Community Centre, 242 Belair Road, Lower Mitcham.

How much does it cost?

$3 including materials and afternoon tea.

Who is eligible?

‘Colour My World’ welcomes City of Mitcham Residents.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in attending the group or would like further information please contact the Coordinator on 8372 8803.

“I have never in my whole life of meetings been in such a lovely happy group, I have never felt so relaxed and my doctor has agreed that it is doing me good. I have even changed my shopping day to be able to attend" (Group member, Colour My World).